wuki:
You’re completely going on a tangent here. As someone pointed out earlier, I have no idea where folks come with certain theories: bell curve, sanctuary city, etc. California—and a host of other states—is also a sanctuary city welcoming to illegal immigrants. Not unique to MN. I am not questioning the specifics but then again you are reading WAY too much into this. Might as well ask OP to have applied to a different state with a higher likelihood of securing a visa. That’s sort of the crust of your argument — a better part of it was spent educating us about MN. So best to avoid applying for visa to MN moving forward.

Edit: the so-called “statistical bell curve” with all the unique info for every city/state, I would want to assume VO pulls this up every time a candidate shows up at the window. Let me see: this is probably one of the many things they might be looking up behind the computer screen during a 2-minute interview?

Spanishmilf:
Na weather dey cause many gbas gbos here

Mancala:


Not sure how and why the obvious is not coming through. It's common knowledge what certain states in the US are known for. If your reasons for visit seem unusual, there may be doubt. This is not unique to MN. It applies to all states. A tourist may want to go skiing in Hawaii. This is possible, and I have done it. But highly unusual/out of the normal for that destination. If that is the stated reason for visit, it may raise doubt in the mind of the VO. Just saying, a story that doesnt hang through could contribute to doubt and even be a reason for denial.

Mancala:


Its not an immigration bell curve. I was referring to the historical range of tourist activites/reasons for visiting that are associated with a destination. For example, a tourist from Nigeria might say they want to visit a vineyard/winery in Wisconsin. There are vineyards in Wisconsin, but it is not wine country like California. That would be unusual without some further explanation and or reasons for being there. It is not known for its wineries in the grand scheme of things. Dairyland/cheese land, YES!

Why does this even matter? Because of a legal priciple called consular absolutism. In essence, it is the general doctrine that a consular officer’s decision to grant or deny a visa is not subject to judicial review. When a consular officer denies a visa, the visa applicant is generally without any recourse. Some applications may receive administrative review by the State department’s visa office but this is generally limited and can only occur when requested by a consular officer. A visa applicant has no right to request such review.

In essence, a VO has all the power to grant or deny! A gut feel is enough to trigger a denial without recourse. How much more a trip that does not conform with the usual norms and devoid of a reasonable explanation?

LadyGuinivere:
The ministry is growing! Bigger! Better! Stronger!

Welcome to part 4 of this thread. Old things must pass away, and new things take effect!n (Although the info in Parts 1, 2 and 3 remain priceless and Must/Ought to be read by any serious applicant.Part 2 was wonderful. Lots of lovely people offering great advice. Each in their own unique style. You guys rock!!! You know yourselves. Nice thread

For enquiries relating to likely interview questions and self evaluation, kindly go through both parts 1 and 2 of this thread so you have a fair knowledge of answers to such questions.

Kindly note that this is a do it yourself thread. Nobody here is an agent. Nobody is a VO, hence cannot authoritatively predict your chances of visa success .

Happy reading and good luck to all the honest visa seekers!

Please see part 1 here for reference:
https://www.nairaland.com/608780/usa-visit-visa/322#38856287

See part 2 here for reference https://www.nairaland.com/2656320/usa-visit-visa-part-2

For part 3

https://www.nairaland.com/4116999/usa-visit-visa-part-3/507#77029195

Due to the fact that some questions are frequently asked, repeated and retreated, the links to the questions are contained herein for easy reference
For instructions and documents required for the application
http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/mobile//non-immigrant_visas.html

To book appointment and fill DS 160
http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/mobile//niv_appointmnent_instructions.html

Note:The steps for the whole process is set out step by step. For your own good, adhere. If not, a possibility exists that the final ds 160 number will be different from the one used to book the appointment . Applicants in those situations will neither be allowed to enter the embassy nor will they be interviewed.
In the event of such an occurence, kindly call/email the embassy to sort it out .

Peraventure you wish to change a detail in an already submitted ds 160, fill a new one, submit and call/email the embassy

For US embassy contact Nos and email
http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/mobile/contact.html

For video interviews with actual VOs on frequently asked Questions
https://www.nairaland.com/2656320/usa-visit-visa-part-2/180#47174473

https://plus.google.com/app/basic/s/%23AsktheVOs

For documents : http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/mobile//non-immigrant_visas.html

For sample transcripts of some interviews (as posted by the users of this thread) Please check this link https://www.nairaland.com/download/4692218


Finally, Lying on your ds 160 or during the interview is misrepresentation and a crime. This thread's aim is not to teach / coach applicants on how to lie. The truth is ALWAYS the best course of action no matter the situation. Please DO NOT ask about how to misrepresent on this thread.

I'm grateful to God that I am alive to create this new part. And for the several friends I have made hereon.

Thank you.
Humbly
LadyGuinivere

wuki:
Could you please tell us what would have made OP’s story “hang” in a way that going on vacation and visiting a landmark in an extremely cold state couldn’t have? Perhaps if he had family in MN or if he was visiting NJ instead? Is that sort of the idea here or I’m I misunderstanding you?

Yosfa:
Hello everyone, here is how my interview went

Vo. good morning

Me. good morning and how are you doing this morning

Vo. Good thanks and you

Me. Not bad thank you

Vo. Your passport please

Me. Handover my passport

Vo. What are you going to do in US

Me. My uncle 25 years wedding anniversary

Vo. Oh really

Me. Yes

Vo. Where do you work

Me. I told her

Vo. How much do you earn

Me. Told her

Vo .Have you travel outside Nigeria

Me. Yes

Vo. How long do you plan to spend in state

Me. 10 days

Vo. Are you married

Me. Yes

Vo. How many kids

Me. 3

She just handover my passport and yellow paper saying sorry you are not qualify to travel.

Please what surprised me was that after I took my passport and the refusal letter from her, on my way going out of the America Lagos embassy , she was calling me back, I didnt notice I was the one she was calling, she sent security to call me back, when I went to her she took back my passport back from me and she started typing on her system for about 5 minutes, tell me please am sorry kindly wait there's an error, she continues typing still keep on telling me there is an error, later she just said am truly sorry kindly reapply, she handover back my passport and she. Called next. Please can someone tell me why this happened

Mancala:


OP wants to visit an obscure, unremarkable landmark in the largest indoor mall in America as a primary reason for visiting the state and at the low tourist season.. Begs further questions in my opinion.
This is my opinion only and what makes more sense to me. When asked for itinerary, he could have mentioned plans to visit some of these destinations/attractions that MN is known for. It makes it more believeable to me.

Alternatively, visiting family and and wanting to visit Nickeloden universe in addition is more plausible. If you are a fan of Nickelodeon, and willing to fly thousands of miles to visit one of their theme parks in the US as a primary reason, the obvious choice is the NJ location. Its much larger, much better and overall airfare will be cheaper and more direct. For example, what would you think if a tourist wanted to visit Nigeria with the primary reason of visiting a Nigerian open air market, and the choice was Agbowo market opposite U.I. in Ibadan? Wouldnt that strike you as odd? Wouldnt you know that Ariaria or Balogun or Alaba or Onitsha main market would be more obvious choices, barring any other motives?

Yosfa:
Hello everyone, here is how my interview went

Vo. good morning


Vo. How many kids

Me. 3

She just handover my passport and yellow paper saying sorry you are not qualify to travel.

Please what surprised me was that after I took my passport and the refusal letter from her, on my way going out of the America Lagos embassy , she was calling me back, I didnt notice I was the one she was calling, she sent security to call me back, when I went to her she took back my passport back from me and she started typing on her system for about 5 minutes, tell me please am sorry kindly wait there's an error, she continues typing still keep on telling me there is an error, later she just said am truly sorry kindly reapply, she handover back my passport and she. Called next. Please can someone tell me why this happened

UhnNah:


Your transcript is not fully detailed! Are you comfortable sharing how much you earn on the internet? If no ignore this question! If yes,how much did you tell the VO you earn?

Also,the travel history! Did you mention the country(s) you’ve been? If yes,can you list them here?

seyewest:


The system gave you that visa but she override it after calling you back, try to re-apply as soon as possible and apart from visiting for just wedding include things like sight seeing and shopping for the New Year, you know things that will add money to the U.S Economy and also don't forget to tell them that you're the only one representing your family.

UhnNah:


‘The system’. Hold on! Are you saying there’s a ‘thing’ that decides if you get the visa or not apart from the VO? Like they typed the OP’s profile into it and wait for the green light?

Yosfa:
Thanks for your good advice, anyway I told the vo have traveled to Ethiopia about 6 times, turkey and Togo, Ghana, don't just know why she called me back and start typing by telling me sorry and she even took back my passport and refusal paper from me, after typing for about 5 min, she just shake her head and say so so sorry reapply

Yosfa:
Thanks for your good advice, anyway I told the vo have traveled to Ethiopia about 6 times, turkey and Togo, Ghana, don't just know why she called me back and start typing by telling me sorry and she even took back my passport and refusal paper from me, after typing for about 5 min, she just shake her head and say so so sorry reapply

alimatuu:
Hello,
I paid for US visa March this year but changed my mind about applying cos I could not afford to leave my business. The business is too young and growing very fast and wont want to disappoint client in the name of traveling to the US. A friend told me the fee is for one year and after a year it will be useless. I have no reason traveling to US anytime soon and also do not want to 'dash' US my money. Please advice!

Yosfa:
Thanks for your good advice, anyway I told the vo have traveled to Ethiopia about 6 times, turkey and Togo, Ghana, don't just know why she called me back and start typing by telling me sorry and she even took back my passport and refusal paper from me, after typing for about 5 min, she just shake her head and say so so sorry reapply

UhnNah:


‘The system’. Hold on! Are you saying there’s a ‘thing’ that decides if you get the visa or not apart from the VO? Like they typed the OP’s profile into it and wait for the green light?

UhnNah:


There you go! Ghana and these african countries are a red flag at the embassy! They feel like you made these trips just to have a travel history to enhance your chance of getting a US visa!

What i think happened in your case! The VO bought your story and wanted to issue you the visa but was taking the final ‘go ahead’ from a superior or a fellow VO (All that typing might be a chat with another VO or a superior) then the person advised the VO not to issue it!

What you should do,reapply and if you don’t have stamps to Ghana and togo on your passport,don’t bother mentioning these 2 countries when the travel history question comes up again! Good luck!

alimatuu:
Hello,
I paid for US visa March this year but changed my mind about applying cos I could not afford to leave my business. The business is too young and growing very fast and wont want to disappoint client in the name of traveling to the US. A friend told me the fee is for one year and after a year it will be useless. I have no reason traveling to US anytime soon and also do not want to 'dash' US my money. Please advice!

seyewest:


Yes, A Computer, a device that assist the consular officer in making the right decision.

Spanishmilf:
FUNNY

Bluefin:


She probably mistakenly selected approved instead of denied. She didn’t want to start telling you stories that she made a mistake. Maybe she needed your passport details to go back to your file since she had no way to trace you back she called you.

seyewest:


what is funny about it?

seyewest:


Yes, A Computer, a device that assist the consular officer in making the right decision.

seyewest:


Don't lead her astray or give her in correct advice, visiting or traveling to Togo or Ghana is not bad especially for someone with good travel history, I'm planning to do a West Africa tour by January ending, does that mean I won't be issue U.S visa? No I think the most important thing is having expansive travel history, mix your travel, a little of Europe, East Africa, Middle East, West Africa and Asia.